Paddle-out held for bodysurfer Andrew Arnold

Contact the writer: Family and friends gathered at the Huntington Beach Pier on Saturday to pay tribute to longtime bodysurfer Andrew Arnold, who was known for playing his trumpet in the parking lot after his surf sessions.

Contact the writer: Arnold sustained fatal neck injuries Nov. 4 while bodysurfing at his favorite spot near the pier.

Contact the writer: Surfers remembered his friendly demeanor and wave-riding skills. On Saturday morning, fellow bodysurfers, bodyboarders and surfers paddled out in choppy, rough waters under overcast skies and splashed water to the sky while shouting "God Bless Andy!" Others watched from the pier and tossed roses into the water. His daughter wrote "RIP Andy" in the sand.

Contact the writer: "I thought it was very beautiful, and I know that he's here in spirit. I can feel him, and I know life will get better," said daughter Aimee Arnold, 26. "He rode a wave right into heaven. He couldn't have gone out any other way."

Contact the writer: Arnold, 54, an insurance agent raised in Huntington Beach, was a regular bodysurfer growing up, but had stopped for a period because of health issues. In the past five years, however, he lost nearly 100 pounds and rediscovered his passion for the ocean.

Contact the writer: "He was in the water everyday, you couldn't get him out," Aimee Arnold said.

Contact the writer: Friend Mike Ester said he would see Arnold in the parking lot, and always requested that he play taps on his trumpet. Arnold played in the Huntington Beach City Band.

Contact the writer: Arnold and his wife, Barbie, celebrated their 30-year anniversary this year.

Contact the writer: His wife talked to him right before he went in the water that fateful day, telling him to be safe. She said he was her soul mate, still remembering how she "tingled from head to toes" the first time he kissed her.

Contact the writer: "We were supposed to grow old together, that was our plan," she said. "At least he died doing what he loved."

Contact the writer: Arnold's wish was to have his organs donated.

Contact the writer: "If a miracle could come out of such a tragedy, he would love it," Barbie Arnold said.

Contact the writer: Arnold ran a Farmers Insurance office in Huntington, taking over after his mother, Eileen, died.

Contact the writer: Arnold is survived by his wife; daughter; sons Drew, 24 and Jessie 32; three grandchildren; and a brother, Tom. The family plans another memorial at the pier at 8 a.m. today for those who could not make it to Saturday's tribute.

Contact the writer: The public also is welcome at funeral services at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church in Huntington Beach.